Capella Hotel Group Unveils Strategic Leadership for New Japanese Properties

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Capella Hotel Group announces two key executive appointments to lead its expansion into Japan with the 2025 openings of Capella Kyoto and Patina Osaka.

Capella Hotel Group is thrilled to unveil two key executive appointments to lead its expansion into Japan with the upcoming openings of Capella Kyoto and Patina Osaka, both set for 2025.

John Blanco, previously the General Manager of Capella Bangkok, will leverage his extensive hospitality leadership and exceptional record of success as the Cluster General Manager for Capella Kyoto and Patina Osaka. Ellen Franke, who brings over 25 years of experience managing luxury hotels in Europe, the USA, China, and Malaysia, has been appointed as the General Manager of Patina Osaka.

In his new role, John Blanco will oversee both properties, collaborating closely with Ellen Franke, who will lead Patina Osaka, the first urban property under Patina Hotels & Resorts. John, an American with Venezuelan heritage, has had a distinguished career in luxury hospitality, including notable positions at The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and several award-winning independent hotels worldwide. He is renowned for his global perspective, fluency in six languages, and his skill in creating exceptional experiences for a diverse international clientele. His leadership at Capella Bangkok, which garnered numerous accolades within its first year of opening in 2020, underscores his capability in the industry

“As Capella Hotel Group enters this exciting new phase of growth into Japan, I am thrilled to be taking
this leading role across two new properties that will further the group’s pursuit of innovation and
excellence in the hospitality sector,” shares John Blanco. “A celebration of the exquisite style and culture
of an extraordinary city, Capella Kyoto promises to immerse guests in the location’s rich heritage. From
the interior design and architecture showcasing Higashiyama’s aesthetic heritage, to the curated cultural
enrichment programme of events and activities, I am committed to ensuring our guests enjoy new levels
of excellence which have become synonymous with the Capella brand.”

Ellen Franke joins Capella Hotel Group from The Ritz-Carlton, where she has been a dedicated member since 2006, serving in various global locations before becoming the General Manager at their Langkawi property in 2018. Now, Ellen brings her vibrant leadership and commitment to exceptional service to her new role as General Manager of Patina Osaka. She adeptly aligns her innate talents with the needs of today’s conscious modern traveler, skillfully balancing the brand pillars of Patina to inspire positive connections.

“Patina Osaka represents a homage to the city’s effortless beauty and vibrancy. I am excited and proud to
be commencing my new role now as General Manager of this urban sanctuary, as we prepare for opening
in 2025. As Patina Hotels & Resort’s first Japanese property, as well as its first within a city location, it’s my
great privilege to dedicate the next phase of my career to the brand’s modern luxury lifestyle approach to
hospitality,” says Ellen.

“Patina Osaka represents a homage to the city’s effortless beauty and vibrancy. I am excited and proud to
be commencing my new role now as General Manager of this urban sanctuary, as we prepare for opening
in 2025. As Patina Hotels & Resort’s first Japanese property, as well as its first within a city location, it’s my
great privilege to dedicate the next phase of my career to the brand’s modern luxury lifestyle approach to
hospitality,” says Ellen.

Capella Hotels and Resorts is set to make its Japanese debut with Capella Kyoto. This luxurious four-story, 89-room hotel, designed by the renowned architectural firm Kengo Kuma and Associates alongside Singapore-based interior designer Brewin Design Office, will be situated in the culturally rich Miyagawa-chō district, known for its geiko and maiko heritage. Kyoto, a city thriving with arts and culture, is the perfect location for Capella Hotels & Resorts’ first property in Japan, aligning seamlessly with the group’s vision of curating exceptional cultural experiences.

Simultaneously, Patina Osaka will open as the first urban property of Patina Hotels & Resorts, Capella Hotel Group’s modern luxury lifestyle brand. The 221-room hotel is strategically located opposite Osaka Castle and adjacent to the historic Naniwanomiya-Ato Park. This contemporary 21-story building is the result of a collaboration between two acclaimed Japanese architectural and design firms: Jun Mitsui & Associates for the exterior and Strickland for the interiors.

• Choice Hotels Targets New Hampshire, New Jersey, And New York For Everhome Suites Expansion